I want our future leaders to know what's possible and to be part of a world where diversity and gender equality aren't special programs but the natural way of operating.

Pierre Nanterme’s quote emphasizes the vision of a future where diversity and gender equality are not just special programs or initiatives but are ingrained as the natural way of operating in both professional and societal contexts. Nanterme suggests that for future leaders, the goal should be to create a world where these values are fundamental principles rather than exceptions that require special attention. He advocates for a shift in mindset, where inclusion and equality are seen as inherent to any organization or society, rather than being extra or exceptional efforts.

By stating that he wants future leaders to "know what's possible," Nanterme stresses the importance of envisioning a world where gender equality and diversity are the norms, not the result of hard-fought battles. This reflects his belief in progressive leadership that embraces diversity as a core strength rather than a challenge. He calls for a cultural change in leadership and institutions, where inclusivity is woven into the fabric of how business and social structures operate.

The origin of this quote can be traced to Pierre Nanterme, the former CEO of Accenture, a global professional services company. Throughout his career, Nanterme was a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, implementing strategies to ensure that gender equality and diverse representation were core to Accenture’s values and operations. His leadership at Accenture highlighted the connection between diverse teams and organizational success, reinforcing his commitment to a more inclusive future.

Ultimately, Nanterme’s quote reflects his vision of a future where diversity and gender equality are seen as essential building blocks of a thriving society, and not as afterthoughts or "special programs." It calls on future leaders to create environments where these values are simply a given, fostering a world where everyone, regardless of background or gender, has equal opportunities to succeed.